Iowa fans express their thanks and love for senior Lucy Olsen

Hawkeyes fans are emotional after Olsen's last game as a Hawkeye
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Lucy Olsen (33) drives to the lane during the second round of the NCAA March Madness Women's college basketball game between University of Oklahoma Sooners and Iowa Hawkeyes at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla., Monday, March 24, 2025.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Lucy Olsen (33) drives to the lane during the second round of the NCAA March Madness Women's college basketball game between University of Oklahoma Sooners and Iowa Hawkeyes at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla., Monday, March 24, 2025. | DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Iowa Hawkeyes Women's Basketball season ended on Monday with a crushing 96-62 loss to Oklahoma in the Round of 32. This was the first time the Hawkeyes had lost by more than 11 points all season.

The Hawkeyes finished 23-11 (10-8 Big Ten) and made the NCAA Tournament for the seventh straight year in Jan Jensen's first season as head coach. Iowa attempted to return to the Sweet 16 for the fifth time in six years, but fell just short.

Senior Lucy Olsen was a big part of the Hawkeyes' success this season. Affectionately dubbed "Big Lu" by the fans, Olsen was one of the best transfer pickups all season.

Olsen began her career at Villanova before transferring to Iowa after the 2023 season. During the 2023 season, Olsen was third in the country in scoring (23.3) behind Iowa great Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins from the University of Southern California (USC).

Olsen finished her Iowa career with 553 points, 160 assists, and 111 rebounds in one season.

It is not easy taking over for someone who is widely considered to be one of the best college basketball players of all time, but Olsen embraced that role as she attempted to fill Caitlin Clark's shoes.

The fans noticed her hard work and dedication, and she quickly became a fan favorite. Now that Lucy's career in Iowa City is over, the fans are showing gratitude for her time in the black and gold.

Olsen was only a Hawkeye for one season, but she made a lasting impression. She willed the Hawkeyes to wins on nights when they were not at their best. She gave it her all during every game, and she will be missed.

After her lone season in Iowa City, Olsen will always be part of the Iowa Hawkeye family after the love and dedication she gave to the program.

As a senior, Olsen was a leader for a Hawkeye program that was expected to take a step back after Caitlin Clark moved to the WNBA.

She helped the Hawkeyes reach 20 wins for the ninth straight season (a program record) and return to the NCAA Tournament for the seventh straight year.

Most Iowa fans would give anything to have one more season of Lucy Olsen. Her leadership, dedication, and commitment endeared her to the fans in Iowa City and we wish she could return for one more year.

Olsen added to a deep senior class that succeeded over their time in Iowa City. She stood out with her commitment to the program and became a leader amongst her peers. Her teammates and the fans alike cannot thank her enough.

"Big Lu" had one of the biggest impacts a transfer could have on a new team. She came to Iowa City and immediately meshed with her new teammates and coaches. She bolstered a team and a locker room searching for answers after in the post-Caitlin Clark era.

Olsen made a lasting impact on Iowa fans and will never be forgotten.

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